Mumbai– Actress Payal Ghosh, who previously accused filmmaker Anurag Kashyap of sexual harassment, has spoken out again—this time strongly criticizing him for his recent inflammatory comments about the Brahmin community. Kashyap’s remarks have sparked widespread outrage, leading to renewed scrutiny of his past controversies and prompting calls for accountability.
In a sharp rebuke, Ghosh condemned the filmmaker and called for his exclusion from both the entertainment industry and society at large. “Anurag Kashyap has always been a disgusting human being, and I’m not at all surprised by his latest comments,” Ghosh said in a statement. “In Hindu culture, we revere women as deities. Someone who can force himself on a woman without her consent—how can it be surprising when he insults an entire community like the Brahmins? What he said is absolutely shameful. People like him have no place in society, let alone Bollywood.”
She continued, “The film industry is better off without people who have no regard for others—their emotions, beliefs, or values. He’s gotten away with outrageous behavior for too long. Karma catches up eventually. I hope strong action is taken against him for making such appalling remarks.”
Kashyap has landed in controversy once again after members of the Brahmin community took offense to his film Phule, which they claim portrays them in a negative light. Matters escalated after the filmmaker responded to an Instagram comment that read “Brahmins are your father,” with an offensive reply: “Brahmin pe main m*******a..koi problem (I’ll pee on the Brahmins… any problem)?”
An FIR was subsequently filed against Kashyap at Bajaj Nagar Police Station in Jaipur. The complaint was lodged on April 19 by Anil Chaturvedi, a resident of Barkat Nagar, under charges related to hurting religious sentiments. Kashyap has since issued an apology for the remark, stating that while he stands by his broader message, he regrets the choice of words, which he says were misinterpreted.
The director also revealed that his family—especially the women—have received rape and death threats in the aftermath, and he urged online trolls to leave his family alone. This controversy has also revived attention on the earlier #MeToo allegations against Kashyap. In 2020, Payal Ghosh accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2013. She later filed an official police complaint, although the case has yet to result in a conviction.
With tensions continuing to rise, both the entertainment community and the public remain divided over Kashyap’s legacy—one shaped by acclaimed films and polarizing controversies alike.
Writer Manoj Muntashir Shukla has openly challenged filmmaker Anurag Kashyap following his controversial and insensitive comment about Brahmins. Muntashir posted a video on Instagram directly addressing Kashyap. In a sharp message, he said, "If your income is less, restrain your expenses, and if your information is less, restrain your words - Anurag Kashyap both your income and information are limited. You do not have it in you to pollute even an inch of the Brahmin legacy- however, as you have expressed your desire, I would like to send some photographs to your house- then you decide on whom you want to spill your dirty water on (urinate on)."
Muntashir listed 21 names of prominent Brahmins, including historical figures and cultural icons, as he warned Kashyap to think before he speaks. He advised Kashyap that if he cannot substantiate his statements, he should learn to stay within his boundaries and refrain from crossing the line. "I, a Brahmin give you an open challenge- pick one name from the 21 names given by me, and I will be sure to send you the photograph, and if you do not have it in you to act on your words, better learn to stay in your limits," Muntashir added.
In response to the backlash, Kashyap later issued an apology on social media, expressing regret for his choice of words. On April 17, 2025, he criticized the protests surrounding the film Phule, a biopic on legendary social reformers Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule. Questioning why films addressing caste issues face bans in India, he expressed concern over growing intolerance. The biographical film Phule, which stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa as the iconic social reformers, was originally scheduled to release last week. However, due to ongoing controversies and protests, the makers have postponed its theatrical release to April 25, 2025.
In a further escalation of the situation, a Brahmin leader announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone who would 'blacken' Anurag Kashyap's face, reflecting the intensity of the backlash against his comments. Brahmin organizations nationwide have voiced strong opposition and outrage over Kashyap’s remarks, emphasizing that such statements can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and deepen societal divides.
The situation remains fluid, with public sentiment sharply divided. While some defend Kashyap's right to express his views, others argue that his comments contribute to a culture of intolerance and disrespect towards certain communities. As the controversy unfolds, it raises critical questions about freedom of expression, accountability, and the responsibilities of public figures.
As the film industry and the public grapple with these issues, the legacy of Anurag Kashyap hangs in the balance, caught between his artistic contributions and the controversies that continue to shadow his career.
